My Ness to progress following a decisive vote by the City of Inverness Area Committee

The centrepiece project of the Inverness City Arts Programme, “My Ness”, is set to progress following a decisive vote by the City of Inverness Committee on Tuesday 20 August.

Chair of the ICARTs Working Group Cllr Isabelle Mackenzie welcomed the decision saying:  “Public art has immense value in cities across the world. The inspiration, enhancement, discussion and even controversy it brings is part of those things which enrich our lives. We should be looking at this as a community wellness project.

“The Concept of “My Ness” was developed by engaging with the Community and, when launched in summer 2018, was well received. Democracy is at the heart of ICArts. Minutes are presented to the Committee for approval, reports have been available to all elected members and they have been invited to attend meetings of the ICArts working group.”

She added: “I would also like to thank all the Officers involved for their dedication and hard work in bringing the programme to where we are now. I am delighted that we can now continue with delivering and completing the River Ness Art Programme, started in 2012, which is what we were tasked to do.”

Professor Mooney, Chair of the independent evaluation panel of experts spoke at the meeting. He said: “It is the fate of public art to stir controversy – It is my view that the debates that arise are an important part of our culture. It is a commonplace observation that public art that is received perhaps begrudgingly at the outset often becomes the much-loved landmarks and place-makers of the future.”

Chef Executive Donna Manson gave a commitment that the project team would consider the accessibility issues raised at the meeting and find a way forward through the final design work within the existing budget. The programme will be completed within the next 18 months.

SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage were consulted and raised no objections during the planning application process. Whilst a specific Environmental Impact Assessment was not required under Environmental Regulations, Planning Conditions have been put in place, following feedback from those agencies and other specialist advisers, in order to protect the environment. The work required to meet these conditions will be undertaken through Method Statements agreed with the Contractor engaged to build My Ness.

The next City of Inverness Arts Working Group meeting is scheduled to take place next week.